Knoxville City Council approves $7.2M for greenway, greenlights multiple permits and contracts

The Knoxville City Council voted 8-0 on June 23 to approve a $7.2 million budget increase for the Northwest Greenway Connector Phase II, pushing the project’s completion date to 2028. The decision was the largest money item among several actions taken at the regular meeting, which also included funding for traffic-signal contracts and homeless-shelter operations.

Beer Board approves permits pending documentation

Also on June 23, the Beer Board met and granted conditional approval to six businesses, each requiring documentation before final permits are issued. Approvals went to The 1951 Club, Buffleheads, Cedar Corner Market, Crafty Bastard Brewery, Jaboni’s Pizzeria, and Market La Amistad, all by 8-0 votes. The board postponed consideration of the First Lutheran Church German Fest and La Patrona to July 21, and withdrew requests from UUNIK Academy Grooves in the Garden and Weekendz at the applicants’ request. Minutes from the May meeting were also approved unanimously.

Full council actions on transit, shelter, task force

Beyond the greenway amendment, council members approved a $2.33 million amendment for the Liberty Street Multimodal Project. Two traffic-signal maintenance contracts were awarded at $60,000 per year each, one to Davis H. Elliot and another to Integrated Response Systems. Homeless-shelter funding was approved for three organizations: the Salvation Army ($65,000), Catholic Charities ($30,000), and the Volunteer Ministry Center ($54,720). Council also appointed a member to the African American Equity Restoration Task Force with an amended commitment term. All votes were 8-0.

Coming up: City Council to weigh data-center moratorium

The next regular City Council meeting is set for Tuesday, July 7. Council will vote on an emergency ordinance imposing a one-year moratorium on large data centers that use 10 megawatts or more of power. Other items include zoning changes for two residential properties — 3225 Joyce Ave and 732–758 Hialeah Drive — from RN-1 to RN-2; a $4.5 million agreement for Western Heights Phase V infrastructure improvements; and a $1.35 million federal transit grant application for Knoxville Area Transit. A public hearing is scheduled on a setback-variance appeal for a detached garage at 1503 Southgate Road.

Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.